Football betting is a great way to add a little fun and excitement to your sports watching experience. There are many different types of bets you can place, and it’s important to learn all you can about them before making your first wager.
One of the most popular football bets is a point spread. These bets can be a good way to reduce your risk while increasing your profit.
Spread betting
The point spread is one of the most popular types of sports bets. It’s a handicap placed on a team that requires them to win by a certain number of points/runs/goals to be paid out.
It also allows bettors to place money on underdogs without risking a large amount of their own cash. The oddsmaker sets a flexible point spread for a sporting event, which can be any number that he thinks is appropriate.
As games approach, it’s common for the spread to shift. In some cases, this can change the line by as much as a half-point, which can have a significant impact on your bet.
When you are betting on a football game, it’s important to keep an eye on the spread. This can be a vital part of your winnings or losses. It’s also crucial to know how to line shop, which is a technique that helps you get the best possible return on your bet.
Moneyline betting
Moneyline betting is one of the most popular ways to bet on football. The odds shift based on expected performance and how close the game is likely to end.
Favorites have negative odds and underdogs have positive ones. These values are derived from a team’s probability of winning, which can differ based on factors such as their talent level and injuries.
To place a moneyline bet, simply select the corresponding side. Then enter an amount to risk and you’ll be able to calculate the potential payout.
For example, if you bet $100 on a +500 moneyline underdog, you can win $250 (plus your original wager) if they win the game. However, if you bet on a -500 moneyline favorite, you can only win $77 (plus your original wager). This is why it’s important to shop around for the best moneyline odds.
Over/Under bets
Over/under bets are a popular choice for football fans, as they allow you to wager on the total score of a game. They can be a great way to increase your winnings or make your losses smaller.
You can also bet on a variety of other outcomes, such as player points scored, passes thrown, and more. However, you will need to know how to make these bets effectively before you can win.
When betting on over/unders, you should compare the point spread to the total, which is determined by sportsbooks. This will tell you how closely experts believe the game will be played.
If you see a team with a high total, it might be because they have a strong offense that will allow them to score a lot of points. But if you see a team with a low total, it might be because they have stout defenses that will allow them to score fewer points.
Parlay bets
Parlay bets are a popular type of wager in sports, and they are a great way to increase your payout. They involve combining two or more bets on one ticket to create a larger bet that pays out if all of the bets win.
The odds on a parlay will vary greatly depending on the number of teams and picks included in the parlay, as well as how much juice or vig is applied to the bets. However, if you have a decent understanding of sports betting, you can make use of a parlay as a means to maximize your profits.
Football is a perfect match for parlays because it features numerous team and player parlay opportunities. Additionally, the sport also offers teaser parlays, which are a great way to shift point spreads in your favor.